NASHVILLE, TN – A usually, quiet and timid chaplain assistant answered the call to duty for the 332nd Medical Brigade and delivered powerful words of inspiration as he filled in for the Brigade chaplain on March 22 at the William F. Lyell Army Reserve Center.
Spc. Samuel Jacob, chaplain assistant, filled Lt. Col. John Schroeder's chaplain shoes during the March battle assembly for the Brigade and revealed things about himself, his faith, his commitment and his love for the Lord.
Jacob spoke about Jesus rising Lazarus from the dead and the circumstances surrounding that miracle. He talked about faith in the Lord, having patience and the importance of how the Lord works in ways to transform people through his love.
"I didn't know he had so much to say," said Spc. Valencia Robertson, administrative specialist, "He's such a quiet individual and as soon as he opened his mouth about the Lord to share."
Sgt. Scott Garrison, chaplain section non-commissioned officer in charge, explained that since the chaplain is not able to travel to Nashville every battle assembly that Chaplain Schroeder allowed Spc. Jacob to fill in for him since he has experience.
"I am studying theology with an emphasis on pastoral studies at Lee University," said Jacob," I finish school in December and there is an associate pastoral position being held for me when I am finished."
"People have this idea of Christianity as perfection," said Jacob, "And when you have that idea of perfection you miss the whole message [of Christianity] altogether what makes it special what makes it amazing – its grace – that song Amazing Grace how sweet that sound – how you can never really grasp it unless you realize that there is nothing that we can possibly do to earn it and so that's how the message came about today."
"Jesus hasn't forgotten us and even when he is silent he is there," said Jacob, "He doesn't expect perfection from us – he just wants faithfulness from us – faithfulness is falling down and getting back up again and walking towards Him."
"It seemed as if Jacob's was a different Soldier," said Robertson, "I never heard that chapter lesson taught like that - It was as though the Lord was speaking to him and through him just for him to teach us that lesson."
"That's the second time I have got to hear Jacob preach, said Cadet Nicole Shea, "Anytime he talks about the Lord, he is very passionate and he always approaches popular stories like the one today in a new light. It was very informative."
Soldiers from privates to colonels who listened to Jacob seemed to be inspired. After the sermon, officers and enlisted alike approached Jacob to thank him and inform him of how much his word inspired them to have more faith and love the Lord even more.
"It was powerful to see Jacob in that light," said Robertson, "The lesson was awesome."